DOT Required Observed Collections

DOT Requires you to Notify Drivers for an Immediate Observed Collection without any Prior Notice.

Ordering Drug Tests Online (Observed) Click Here

1. Login to your Express Labs Account (Top Left Tabs)
2. Select the Reason-for-Testing (Return-to-Duty or Follow-Up)
3. Find a Collection Site (Enter Zip Code)
4. Order the Drug Test
5. Check your Email for the QPassport (within 1 hour from Quest)
6. Bring the QPassport to the Site Selected (Collector Scans Barcode on Form or Driver’s Phone)
7. Call the Collection Site to Confirm they are Open and Confirm they have a Collector who is the Same Gender who can perform an Observed Collection before Notifying the Driver

What is an Observed Collection?

• The Collector (Same Gender as Driver) accompanies the Driver into the restroom.  The Collector must directly watch the urine stream go from the Driver’s body into the Collection Container.  The Driver must raise their shirt above the navel and lower clothing to mid-thigh to ensure no devices are used to cheat the test.  The Collector signs Documentation confirming the process was completed according to DOT guidelines

🔸What does "Get Tested Immediately" mean?

• Get Tested Immediately means Once a Driver is Notified, All the Driver's Actions must lead to an Immediate Collection.
• DOT's Definition: "Get Tested Immediately" page 19 Click Here
• DOT's Policy: "What happens if a Driver Refuses-to-Test" - Click Here

🔸What is Abnormal PH?

In a DOT Drug Test, an Abnormal PH Level in a Urine Sample could indicate that the Sample has been Adulterated or Substituted with another Substance.  Urine pH measures the Acidity or Alkalinity of Urine, with a Normal Range of 4.5 to 8

• Abnormal pH levels outside this Range could be a sign of Tampering or Dilution
• Adulteration or Substitution of Urine Samples is a Common Practice among Drivers attempting to Cheat a Drug Test
• Therefore, an Abnormal PH Level in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

🔸What is Immunoassay Interference?

In a DOT Immunoassay Interference with Creatinine Levels can occur due to various factors.  Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is typically measured in urine to assess kidney function and to detect dilution attempts in Drug Tests.  Immunoassays are commonly used in Drug Testing to detect the Presence of Specific Drugs or their Metabolites.  Interference with Creatinine Levels in Immunoassays can lead to False-Positive or False-Negative Results in Drug Tests.  Some Substances may Interfere with Creatinine Measurements in Immunoassays Include:

• High Creatinine Levels: Extremely high Creatinine levels in Urine can sometimes interfere with the immunoassay process, leading to inaccurate Results
• Low Creatinine Levels: Conversely, very low levels of Creatinine in urine may also cause interference, potentially leading to false-negative results
• Medications: Certain medications or drugs can interfere with creatinine measurements or the immunoassay process itself
• Metabolites: Some substances or their metabolites may cross-react with the immunoassay reagents, leading to false-positive results
• Therefore, Immunoassay Interference in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

🔸What is Invalid Creatinine?

In a DOT Drug Test, Invalid Creatinine means the Creatinine Level in the Urine Sample is Unusual or Out-of-Range. Creatinine is a Waste Product from Muscles and helps verify if the Urine Sample is Legitimate.  Here’s what it might mean:

• Dilution: A very Low Creatinine Level can Indicate the Urine was Diluted, possibly to hide Drug use.
• Substitution: It might suggest the Urine is not Genuine, like if someone used someone else's Urine or a Fake Sample
• Therefore, an Invalid Creatinine Level in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

🔸What is Temperature-out-of-Range?

For a DOT Drug Test, the Temperature of the Urine Sample is a crucial factor in ensuring its Validity.  The Acceptable Temperature Range for a Urine Sample is between 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C) at the time of Collection.  This Temperature Range is considered Normal Body Temperature and is necessary to indicate that the Sample is Fresh and hasn't been Tampered with or Substituted.

• If the Temperature of the Urine Sample falls Outside this Range, it could raise Suspicions of Tampering, Dilution, or Substitution, Potentially Invalidating the Test. Therefore, if the Sample's Temperature is Below 90°F or Above 100°F, the Driver will be asked to provide a 2nd Sample under Direct Observation
• If the Driver leaves the Collection Site after the Collection Process has Started, this is a Refusal to Complete the Test. Refusal-to-Test is treated similarly to a Positive Test Result
• Therefore, a Temperature-out-of-Range in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation, to ensure the Accuracy and Validity of the Results

🔸What is Specific Gravity?

The Urine Sample provided by the Driver does not meet the Required Specific Gravity Range set by DOT Regulations.  Specific Gravity measures of the Concentration of Substances Dissolved in the Urine.  It indicates the Sample's Density compared to pure water and helps assess whether the Sample has been Diluted or Tampered with.  Results Outside this Range may Indicate:

• Dilution: The Urine Sample may have been Intentionally or Unintentionally Diluted, possibly to hide Drug use
• Adulteration: Substances may have been added to the Sample to Alter Test Results
• Therefore, an Invalid Result for Specific Gravity in a DOT Drug Test could result in Retesting the Driver under Direct Observation to rule out Tampering or Dilution

🔸What is a Refusal-to-Test?

Drivers who do not Get Tested Immediately after being Notified for a DOT Required Observed Drug Test Collection is considered a Refusal-to-Test, which is the same as a Positive Result.

• DOT's Definition: "Get Tested Immediately" page 19 Click Here
• DOT's Policy: "What happens if a Driver Refuses-to-Test" - Click Here
• Refusal-to-Test Instructions - Click Here

🔸What if an Employer does not Comply with DOT to Notify a Driver for an Observed Collection

If an employer fails to notify a driver that they are required to undergo an observed collection under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, they may be subject to civil penalties and regulatory violations under 49 CFR Part 40, which governs DOT drug and alcohol testing procedures.

Potential Fines and Consequences:

1. Civil Penalties (Monetary Fines):

   • Under 49 U.S.C. § 521(b), employers who violate DOT regulations, including Part 40, may be fined up to $5,733 per violation per day (as of the most recent inflation-adjusted penalties published by the DOT).

2. Regulatory and Compliance Consequences:

   • Out-of-Service Orders: Repeated or serious violations can result in the company being placed out of service.

3. Risk of Lawsuits or Liability:

   • If a driver involved in a safety-sensitive role (e.g., CDL holder) is not properly tested and causes an accident, the employer could face civil liability in addition to regulatory fines.

4. Driver Repercussions:

   • If a driver is not informed about a required observed collection and does not comply (unknowingly or otherwise), this could be misclassified as a refusal to test, which carries its own penalties for both the driver and employer.